Nigerian House of Representatives Approves Tougher Penalties for Vote Buying in Electoral Act Amendments

The Nigerian House of Representatives has passed amendments to the electoral act, imposing stricter penalties for vote buying and selling. Offenders now face a minimum of two years in prison, a fine of N5 million, and a 10-year ban on contesting elections.

The amendments also include penalties for violating election procedures and releasing election funds at least one year before general elections. Lawmakers opted to amend the electoral act instead of repealing it in 2022 due to a lack of consensus on broader reform proposals.